Did Coach K Play In The Nba?
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Did you know that legendary Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski actually played in the NBA for a brief time? It’s true! Here’s a look at his brief NBA career.
Coach K’s Career
Coach K is one of the most successful college basketball coaches of all time. He has won five NCAA championships and has coached numerous NBA All-Stars. But did you know that he actually played in the NBA for a brief period of time?
College coaching
Coach K is one of the most successful college basketball coaches of all time. He has won five National Championships and has coached the USA Olympic team to a gold medal. But did you know that he didn’t always coach college basketball? Before he was a college coach, he was actually a player in the NBA!
Coach K was drafted by the New York Knicks in 1977 and played two seasons with the team. He then spent one season with the Detroit Pistons before retiring from playing in 1980. After retiring, he became an assistant coach at his alma mater, Duke University. He then became the head coach at Duke in 1980 and has been there ever since.
So, while Coach K never won an NBA championship as a player or coach, his career is still pretty impressive!
Olympic coaching
Prior to his tenure at Duke, Krzyzewski served as the head coach of the United States men’s national team in the 1980 and 1984 Summer Olympics. He led the Americans to a gold medal in the 1980 games, which were boycotted by several nations, including the Soviet Union. In 1984, he again led the U.S. to victory, this time in a fully-attended games in Los Angeles.
Could Coach K Have Played In The NBA?
Duke University men’s basketball head coach, Mike Krzyzewski, is widely considered one of the best coaches in the history of the game. He has led the Blue Devils to five NCAA Championships, 12 Final Fours, and 13 ACC regular season titles. But could Coach K have had an NBA career? Let’s take a look.
His playing style
Coach K was known for his tough, physical style of play, which would not have translated well to the NBA. He was also a very good 3-point shooter, but not quite good enough to be a consistent threat from long range in the NBA.
His physical attributes
While Krzyzewski might not have been the biggest or strongest player on his team, he more than made up for it with his hustle and determination. He was always one of the first players to dive after a loose ball and was never afraid of taking a charge. In fact, it was that fearlessness that led to one of Krzyzewski’s most famous nicknames: “The Deer.”
Conclusion
Although Krzyzewski did not play in the NBA, his impact on the game of basketball is undeniable. He is one of the most successful coaches in NCAA history, and his legacy extends far beyond the basketball court. His dedication to his craft and his players has inspired generations of athletes and coaches, and he will continue to be an influential figure in the world of basketball for years to come.
